Welcome to Birch Class

Birch Class are Year 1 with Mrs Peall as their teacher. 

I am looking forward to welcoming the children back into school for the start of Year 1! We are going to be looking at 'The Great Fire of London' during the autumn term, as well as engaging with our autumnal events including: Harvest Festival, the sponsored walk and The Nativity!

This term, our topic is...

'The Great Fire of London'

Our texts will be 'Tadpole's Promise' by Jeanne Willis, 'Katie in London' by James Mayhew, Remembrance poetry and letters to Santa. 

These stories allow the children lots of opportunities to consider the feelings of characters, the importance of promises and start exploring London. 

We are looking forward to learning about The Great Fire of London this term. In history, we will be learning about the events leading up to the fire and the timeline of the fire's damage. We will be looking at Samuel Pepys' diary to help us understand more. In science, we will be exploring everyday materials and considering when each is most suitable. In geography, the children will learn about the UK and the four countries that make it up. They will be thinking about capital cities and where London is on a map. Finally, in November, we will be welcoming in Partake Theatre Company to run a fun, interactive workshop where the children will be able to act out the events of The Great Fire. 

Key reminders:

- PE days are Mondays and Thursdays. Please make sure PE kit comes in on a Monday ready for the week. 

- The children will be able to take home a Monster Phonics reading book each week after their guided reading session. These will be different days for each child so please continue to read different reading materials at home too. The guided reading books will be changed the following week during their next in school session. Please send your child into school with their diary and reading book every day. 

- Our library slot is a Tuesday morning where the children will get to choose a 'Reading for Pleasure' book. Please ensure this comes back to school each Tuesday, otherwise your child will not be able to change their book.

- Diaries are signed each Friday to count the number of reads that week. If your child reads 5 times, they will be awarded a bookworm token. When they have accumulated 10 of these, they will receive a free book! 

- If you have any questions about life in Year 1, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Peall at Birch@underwood.notts.sch.uk